Port of Call Cagliari, Sardinia

Navigator Of The Seas docked at the Molo Rinascita (Renaissance Pier) at the Port of Cagliari, Sardinia. (The new cruise terminal at Molo Ichnusa has been left unused due to problems with water depth). The pier is part of the Poniente section of the port, just south of Cagliari old town.

Cagliari Shore Excursions

Il Castello A walking tour is the best way (but a very hot way) to see the medieval sights of Cagliari’s old walled town, Il Castello. Starting at Piazza Yenne, catch the elevator which takes you to the Pisan 14th century Torre dell’Elefante. Continue up the hill to the Bastione San Remy, with its terrazza, which offers superb views across the city, docks and sea (panic if you can’t see your cruise ship!). Next walk to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Castello, with its original 13th century bell tower. Continue northwards along Via Pietro Martini to find the second Pisan-era tower, Torre di San Pancrazio, built to defend the northern side of the city.

Archaeological Museum Next to the Torre di San Pancrazio you’ll find Cagliari’s Archaeological Museum which features a collection of nuraghic bronzi (bronze figurines) . These artifacts date back to around 2000BC, and were made by Sardinia’s mysterious nuraghic people. Another exhibit of interest show items recovered from Cagliari's huge Phoenician-age Tuvixeddu necropolis.

Orto Botanico The Orto Botanico is a wonderful botanic garden operated by the University of Cagliari. The garden was opened in 1866, and its collection has grown to a point where it now boasts a huge range of exotic plants, the majority of which hail from the Mediterranean region. The garden is on the western slopes of the old town. The main entrance is at the junction between Via Sant'Ignazio da Laconi and Via Tigelio.

Poetto Beach Poetto Beach is a popular beach very close to Cagliari. It’s a 6km long stretch of fine sand, shelving gently into turquoise colored seas. There are ample facilities, including restrooms, showers, beach equipment hire, restaurants and beach bars. You can normally pick up a laid-on bus from near the port gate, or failing that a regular public bus service operates from Piazza Giacomo Matteotti.

Nora RuinsThe ancient city of Nora was first settled by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC. It was then held by the Carthaginians, who it turn ceded the city to Rome when the island was invaded by Romans in 230BC. The Nora Ruins include temples, a large amphitheatre, thermal baths, noble houses, a forum, and a cemetery. Many of the beautiful mosaic floors are nearly intact. The ruins are a popular shore excursion, and lie about half an hour by bus southwest from Cagliari.